Makita Questions !

Been reading a ton of good stuff from this site..and AnotherSite over the last month about the Makita 6104 and other variants . All about the BB conversions and HD air filter and such . But I have a few questions still...before I get my new to me saw on my work bench . Very Very Excited BTW !!!!
(1) Id like to do the HD air filter . But I have seen people change the grey top cover over to a gloss black one that matches the HD air kit . Is this gloss black cover for a Dolmar 6400 or 7900 ?? Is there an online source for this part ..or do I have to go to my local dealer ?
(2) It will wear a 20 inch bar normally.....but need the biggest bar I can get ...to cut up 2 huge oaks that fell years ago in our woods . BTW.....measured the 2 trees in question...and the 28 inch bar looks like it will cut the trees up...if I cut on both sides...not joking !! About 50 inches across.....so minus the bucking spikes...the 28 inch should mathematically work !! These are no good for lumber....so I wanna make a table top out of some..then the rest for firewood . So this bar will be rarely used....hopefully !! I have heard that the oilers on these saws are stingy on getting oil down to bigger bars . So whats the longest I can realistically put on ? Specs say longest of 32" . Is 28" or 30" more realistic for this "rare" amount I'll need it for ?
(3) Skip tooth chain for the longer bar ?
(4) If my funds hold out..Im planning on upgrading the cc"s on the 6401 this winter !! I have read a lot about this..as this is very popular to do . Ive seen some pros and cons to the Bailey's BB kit...and the OEM kit . The OEM is about $100 more...but I hear its quality is hard to beat . BUT..........I would like to know...has anyone done either ? Any longevity issues on either ?? This saw will be used probably a dozen times a year more than likely.....so whats gonna be my best route ?
(5) Let me know of any other thoughts or concerns...Id greatly appreciate it !!

Id like to say that Im really looking forward to this project . Im no pro builder by any stretch of the imagination !!! But....Im a mechanical guy.....with a ton of tools........and I think this will be a great , hard to screw up project...that will put a smile on my face

 

It's an easy swap. Just clean as you go as to keep dirt out of the crankcase. I can't speak to the BB kit, but the oem 7900 top end is much stronger than the 6400. With bigger bars the powers really shows. You don't need many tools. A t27 T-handle will take basically the whole saw apart. Long needle nose pliers are nice to have too. If the saw has a cat muffler, remove the cat. It gets super hot. The shiny cover is a dolmar 7900 top cover. Should have the decompression button on the flywheel side. My oiler is a little weak. I don't trust it past 28. Some are better. I think it's hit or miss on the oilers.

 

1) Online source for the HD air kit http://www.edgeandengine.com/ or you can call Nathaniel Vansickle@(740) 255-7674, Nate is a Dolmar dealer in Ohio usually has whatever you want in stock. In order to swap out the cover you will need the HD kit, the hood.
2) Cory is correct oilers are weak, 28" is as far as I would go.
3) Skip chains are easier for the saw to pull, especially if you will be cutting up this big tree with the saw in stock form 64cc.
4) Given the crankcase volume of the 6400/7300/7900 saws the big bore kits no matter the maker do not produce good results. Adam Clarke and I have been messing around with some AM 7900 C/P kits available on e-Bay from a guy in Greece, they are quite good but still not OEM.
5) Run 32:1

 

6) Get yourself a copy of the Dolmar 6400/7300/7900 workshop manual and buy a good T-27 T-handle and a long T-27 3/8 socket!

 

I don't think the difference is that big. Bailey's wants $130+shipping for the BB kit. I got the OEM kit for $195.18 out the door.

 

Oh, and I second the recommendation for Nate VanSickle. I found him on eBay and he gave me an excellent price on the base gasket and needle bearing. I didn't get my 7900 kit from him.

 

Fuzz: given the price Jon1270 got, it would be crazy not to go OEM! Perhaps he will share his source with you via PM.

 

Thanks guys. Great stuff here for sure. Gettin the gears in my brain going

 

I'd be happy to, just drop me a pm.

 

Pm sent !

 

Don't forget to order the metalized base gasket and the piston pin bearing. Make sure you get the metalized base gasket for the 7900 the paper ones are NFG. The best price I found for the HD filter setup was from Edge & Engine.

 

I've run a 32" on the 7900s before. It oiled the bar adequate but nothing extra like a husky.

 

I did too and it was fine oiling with this 32" doing rip quartering cuts buried.

Also a vote for OEM 7900 tops. Never seen a kit over $200 all under.

 

Great looking setup there !!

 

They look even better with the black top! Kevin has a picture of his black top Makita someplace on here!

 

Thats what I plan on doing . Looks slick Ps..thanks for the email ...it will come in handy !!!

 

Hey Fuzz, if you will only be using the saw a dozen or so times a year you may want to rethink the HD filter setup and just get the hood, because I have a new black top take-off cover for the standard filter you can have for $20 plus ship.

 

Comparison: ugly vs pretty for your viewing pleasure